Winning On and Off the Field

Patrick Higgins and Julie Bigelli '79 & '80

Villanova spirit runs through the veins of Pat Higgins and Julie Bigelli. Graduating in 1979 and 1980, respectively, they met on campus, married and went on to impressive careers. Through the years, their affinity for their alma mater has grown, and so has their love of sports. Pat’s father was an accomplished soccer player, and the Higgins children played soccer growing up.

So when the opportunity came to ignite change at Villanova by transforming the University’s soccer facilities, the Higgins felt compelled to act. “The students deserve the best,” Julie says, “Villanova is at a level where we should have first rate facilities available for our students.”

The new $2.5 million soccer complex, kicked off with a $1 million gift from the Higgins family, will give Villanova robust and versatile new fields for student-athletes, intramural players and the entire community to enjoy for years to come. The Higgins investment will provide field access to more of the student body than ever before.

This gift to the Campaign to Ignite Change is about more than improving campus infrastructure; it’s about being a catalyst for change. For the Higgins, this isn’t just a sports complex. It’s fuel for the broad movement of giving within the Villanova community.

By enhancing Villanova’s facilities, they know they’re enhancing the reputation of the University and the ability of students to pursue the greater great throughout their lives.